章 36: Princess of Nocturnia
Lyra was out for her usual morning run, her mind focused on the upcoming Essence tournament and the Alchemist fair the excitement of partnering with Elias. As she rounded a corner near the academy grounds, she suddenly heard familiar voices engaged in conversation. Slowing her pace, Lyra realized that it was a group of Sanguine students, and among them was Lilith, the vampire girl who had been the target of cruel jokes and bullying.
Using her Essence technique, Lyra reached out with her telepathic senses, trying to gauge the emotions of the group. She could feel a mix of amusement, disdain, and a twinge of desperation coming from Lilith, who seemed to be trying hard to fit in with her peers.
As Lyra approached, she overheard one of the Sanguine girls making a particularly nasty joke at Lilith's expense. To her surprise, Lilith laughed along, agreeing with the cruel sentiment in an attempt to gain acceptance.
Unable to stand by and watch, Lyra intervened. "Hey!" she called out, her voice firm and unwavering. "That's enough. There's no need to bully Lilith like that."
The group of Sanguine students turned to face her, their expressions ranging from annoyance to outright hostility. Scarlet, who seemed to be the leader of the pack, sneered at Lyra. "Well, well, if it isn't the little human girl playing hero. Don't you know who you're talking to?"
Another vampire girl chimed in, her voice dripping with disdain. "That's right. You're addressing the princess of Nocturnia, you nasty-blooded human. Show some respect!"
Lyra was taken aback by the venom in their words, but she refused to be intimidated. She stood her ground, her gaze locked on Lilith, who looked both embarrassed and grateful for the intervention.
"Lyra, it's okay," Lilith said, her voice quiet and strained. "They didn't mean anything by it. Just go, please."
But Lyra shook her head, her resolve only growing stronger. "No, Lilith. It's not okay. These people shouldn't be making fun of you, regardless of whether you're a vampire or not. You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, just like anyone else."
The Sanguine girls looked shocked by Lyra's defiance, their eyes wide with disbelief. The leader of the group took a step forward, her fangs bared in a menacing snarl. "You dare speak to us like that, human? You have no idea the power we wield, the influence we hold in this world."
Lyra met her gaze unflinchingly, her own Essence energy crackling around her like a protective shield. "I don't care about your power or your influence," she said, her voice calm but firm. "What I care about is treating people with decency and compassion. And that includes Lilith, no matter what her background may be."
For a moment, the two groups stood in tense silence, the air heavy with unspoken threats and challenges. Then, to everyone's surprise, Lilith stepped forward, placing herself between Lyra and the other Sanguine students.
"Lyra is right," she said, her voice trembling but determined. "I don't deserve to be treated like this, vampire or not. And I won't stand for it any longer."
The Sanguine girls looked stunned, their mouths hanging open in shock. The leader of the group looked like she wanted to argue, but something in Lilith's expression must have given her pause. With a final, disdainful sniff, she turned on her heel and stalked away, the other girls following close behind.
As they watched them go, Lyra turned to Lilith, a smile of pride and admiration on her face. "That was incredibly brave of you, Lilith," she said, reaching out to squeeze the other girl's hand. "I know it couldn't have been easy to stand up to them like that."
Lilith managed a small, grateful smile in return. "I couldn't have done it without you, Lyra. Thank you for being there for me, even when I didn't deserve it."
Lyra shook her head, her expression serious. "Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, Lilith. Never forget that."
As the two girls stood there, hand in hand, Lyra felt a sense of warmth and connection that she had never experienced before. She knew that she had made a true friend in Lilith, someone who understood the struggles and challenges of navigating the complex world of Ashborne Academy.
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